Stellar Marianas, TSL Foundation team up for Miss U bid

Members and officers of Stellar Marianas were joined Tuesday afternoon by TanHoldings Corp. chief executive officer Jerry Tan and Tan Siu Lin Foundation officers at the Marianas Visitors Authority conference room to announce the foundation’s commitment to fund the Miss Universe pageant’s $10,000 charter fee. (Contributed photo)

As the islands’ nonprofit pageant and talent group prepares for the 2019 Miss Marianas Pageant in June, an alliance with the CNMI’s leading philanthropic organization, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, aims to increase the chances for the Northern Marianas to compete once again on world’s greatest stage at Miss Universe.

Over 20 members and officers of Stellar Marianas were joined Tuesday afternoon by TanHoldings chief executive officer Jerry Tan, TSL Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino, and administrative officer Mel Naputi at the Marianas Visitors Authority conference room to announce the foundation’s commitment to fund the Miss Universe pageant’s $10,000 charter fee.

“As a destination and as a goal, we should try to be on every world stage—just like we wish we could compete in the World Cup or other world competitions. We have invested in our active sport programs over these years to begin that possibility for our youth and our community. We should be determined to compete at world level and for pageants, you cannot get bigger than Miss Universe,” said Tan.

“There are very few organizations on island that offer such life-changing opportunities for our young women and we are happy to be able to support such a worthwhile endeavor,” he added.

Stellar Marianas is preparing for its bid for the chance to compete in Miss Universe 2020 and this kind of momentous support, said president Laila Boyer, “is just the springboard we need to realize this dream that we have been working so hard to achieve these past years.”

“We could not stop clapping when we heard the news. This is truly a positive and transformative experience for our young women and as volunteers we will work extra hard to ensure this becomes a reality,” she said. “We are already in one of big three with Miss International in Tokyo, Japan, and because of our limited exposure and resources, we do not take these amazing opportunities for granted.”

The last time the CNMI was represented on the Miss Universe stage was with 2005 Miss Marianas Shequita Bennett in 2006.

2018 Miss Marianas Celine Cabrera continues to be active in the community, working alongside MVA and various organizations to promote the CNMI before and after returning from the 2018 Miss International Pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

Stellar Marianas is poised to announce this year’s contestants for the 2019 Miss Marianas Pageant this week and are beyond excited to begin the training and activities within the celebration of International Women’s Month that will lead to the crowning of a queen.

“We are working on a prize package valued over $25,000 for our winners with most heartfelt gratitude to our most gracious sponsors and adding a few new details that will surely make this an unforgettable show for our community to enjoy,” said Public Relations and Community Events director Monique Sablan.

MVA has already pledged its continued support, working on the possibility of an internship for this year’s titleholder so she may have direct support and training in the islands’ main hospitality industry.

Stellar Marianas also welcomed five new members to the team: Tolentino, lawyer and 2001 Miss Northern Marianas Universe Janet King to lead physical fitness and nutrition, NMC Criminal Justice coordinator Zerlyn A. Taimanao, and Janessa Jovannie Santos to assist with beauty and wardrobe design and Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services administrative assistant Michi Viches for décor and stage design.

Island Image & Motion also leads this year’s photography and video team with a range of artistic crew members that, along with all volunteers, also shows that this one extraordinary event creates various opportunities to share their talent and passion as well support local businesses.

Stellar Marianas will also soon be inviting local entertainers to perform on pageant night in June, so interested individuals and groups may contact via www.facebook.com/stellarmarianas.com, email stellarqueens@gmail.com or follow Cabrera on Instagram @missnorthernmarianas. (PR)